How humans learned to speak and why
Instant Genius3 Aug 2025

How humans learned to speak and why

Humans’ unique ability to communicate through complex systems of language is one of the key attributes that separates us from the rest of the animal kingdom. But how did this complex behaviour arise? In her latest book, The Origin of Language – How We Learned to Speak and Why, evolutionary biologist Madeleine Beekman argues that our ability to speak arose due to the need to take care of our children. She tells us how early human’s anatomy changed dramatically when our ancestors came down from the tress and began walking on two legs, how a quirk of genetics allowed humans to develop such large brains that aided the development of language, and why human’s slow development from helpless infants to functioning members of society gave rise to the need for in-group cooperation and complex modes of communication. To get the exclusive gift box from Shokz, order via this link: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4kFt10l⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Det här avsnittet är hämtat från ett öppet RSS-flöde och publiceras inte av Podme. Det kan innehålla reklam.

Avsnitt(647)

Don’t miss the upcoming Nature’s Unsung Heroes miniseries!

Don’t miss the upcoming Nature’s Unsung Heroes miniseries!

While the larger, more impressive or charismatic animal and plant species often receive the most attention, the natural world is filled with lesser-known or even misunderstood organisms without which ...

1 Juni 46s

Why bisexuality is everywhere

Why bisexuality is everywhere

In June of every year, the LGBTQ+ community across the world comes together to celebrate Pride Month – an annual event that began in 1970 to promote awareness, visibility and equality for lesbian, gay...

31 Maj 33min

The past, present and future of DNA science

The past, present and future of DNA science

Whether it’s the swab tests many of us use to help us piece together our family trees, the painstaking detective work carried out by forensic scientists, or its use in medical screening to look for si...

28 Maj 35min

Why ecoacoustics is the future of conservation

Why ecoacoustics is the future of conservation

Traditionally, ecologists wanting to take stock of the diversity, health and population levels of animal species within a given environment have needed to tie on their boots, get out in the field and ...

24 Maj 25min

Unlocking the invisible rainbows of the Universe

Unlocking the invisible rainbows of the Universe

Our world may look vibrant and full of color. But in reality, our human eyes are only picking up the tiniest slice of all the light shining in the Universe. To astronomers this hidden light is just as...

21 Maj 40min

Why birdsong is the pop music of the natural world

Why birdsong is the pop music of the natural world

When it comes to the sounds we encounter in the natural world, few have the beauty, elegance and variety of birdsong. But these distinctive vocalisations are not simply static calls that are common to...

17 Maj 24min

Why walking more is the best thing you can do to boost your health

Why walking more is the best thing you can do to boost your health

Over thousands of years, human beings evolved to walk upright on two legs, efficiently and over long distances. But these days, thanks to changes in our lifestyles, we’re becoming more sedentary than ...

14 Maj 31min

How ultrasound tech could save hedgehogs

How ultrasound tech could save hedgehogs

Hedgehogs are in decline all over Europe. These prickly little fellas are faced with so many threats – in their rural habitats, in our gardens, and on our roads. But new research about hedgehog hearin...

10 Maj 36min

Populärt inom Vetenskap

p3-dystopia
dumma-manniskor
allt-du-velat-veta
kapitalet-en-podd-om-ekonomi
rss-vetenskapsradion
rss-ufobortom-rimligt-tvivel
svd-nyhetsartiklar
rss-spraket
paranormalt-med-caroline-giertz
medicinvetarna
rss-vetenskapsradion-2
halsorevolutionen
det-morka-psyket
sexet
rss-odla
dumforklarat
rss-broccolipodden-en-podcast-som-inte-handlar-om-broccoli
vetenskapsradion
hacka-livet
kvalificerat-hemligt-poddradio